Scout, the ever-helpful chewer of dirt clods, snatcher of pulled weeds, chaser of bumble bees 🐝, and adoring, faithful companion.
Thursday was such a scattered day. With rain in the forecast, I wanted to get those plants I bought earlier in the week in the ground. I was delighted to read that Euphorbia does bloom, and Astilbe can stand 6 hours of sun. I mistakenly referred to the white Campanula as harebell yesterday. Oops. It went in the ground close to the Hummingbird Mint and the Euphorbia. But I did hurry with the planting because I had a lot of writing to do.
I’m still struggling with the fact that I know exactly where this story is going. That sounds a bit ridiculous, doesn’t it? I know writers who would kill for a complete story that they just have to type out. But I like surprise–I want to surprise myself so you’ll be surprised. Still no title, darn it. All that aside, I can’t wait for you to read it–I think you’ll love the conceit. It’s antique in some ways, but with a real twist. The anthology comes out around Halloween, but I’ll let you know the second it’s up for pre-order.
Speaking of orders: I’ve just knocked my Edgar-nominated suspense short story, A Paler Shade of Death, down to .99 for a week for Mother’s Day. I think you’ll find that the main character, Becca, is a great candidate for WORST MOTHER EVER. But maybe the mother in the ebook bonus story–The Hollow Woman—is actually the worst. Neither she nor her infant son can sleep, and everyone goes a little crazy. Okay, a lot crazy. You get to decide!
Along with working on the story, I’m judging a non-fiction competition, and blurbing a terrific little spy novel this weekend. I think we’ll also finish the second and final season of the animated show, Gravity Falls. What are you up to?
May 11th Words
Journal: 0 words
Long fiction: 0 words
Short fiction: 350 words
Non-fiction: 0 words
Blogging: 300 words
Exercise: Gardened again, and walked around a lot as I talked on the phone with Agent Susan. Did 20 squats when I took the dogs out for the last time. Don’t worry. It was dark.
I love Scout! Laura, you are having an anthology printed in print form, with all your short stories? If so, I will definitely buy it. I was also thinking; you seem to know a lot about flowers, plants and timing, is there anyway to incorporate any of that into a novel? You also have a wry sense of humor in all your posts ( referring to the ‘don’t worry, it was dark line’ above.
Scout is a sweetie. He’s aged so quickly–almost 9, which is old for a Rottweiler, but young for a Rat Terrier (we rescued him as a pup from a grocery cart). Still he has real heart.
There is an enormous garden at Bliss House–most prominent in Charlotte’s Story and The Abandoned Heart. This story also has a secret garden.
While I do need to put out a collection (I don’t know if I’ll do it, or find a publisher), this story is for someone else’s anthology. Can’t wait to give you details later!
Also, yay. I like to think I’m hilarious. Others’ experience may differ. 😜
I adore dogs, and I would get another tomorrow: I have always had a dog or more than one at a time: it’s been two years —over two years since my little girl passed, but I plan to relocated to another state, and for right now, a new dog would hold me back. I plan to get Charlotte’s Stpry and The Abandoned House, but I don’t read e-things, so I hope someday, I get to read your stories. A collection is a great idea, though.